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Science News Archive 2021


Page 252 of 510

Slowed cell division causes microcephaly

A single gene mutation can slow down cell division, preventing proper brain development and leading to microcephaly. This process involves the dysregulation of microtubules, which are essential for distributing genetic material between new cells.

1 in 6 families in new study spent more than $5,000 to have a baby

A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.

Controlling brain states with a ray of light

Scientists at IBEC successfully controlled neuronal activity in the human brain using a light-responsive molecule named PAI. This breakthrough study demonstrates spatiotemporal control of brain state transitions, opening up new avenues for basic neuroscience research and potential brain therapies.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Most comprehensive RNA-Atlas ever

Researchers have built a comprehensive catalogue of human non-coding RNAs using three sequencing methods. The project uncovered thousands of novel non-coding RNA genes and found correlations between RNA abundance and regulatory functions.

Skeletal scaffold supports bone cells and blood vessels

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) create a biomaterial that supports the growth of bone marrow precursor cells and forms tubular blood vessels, mimicking natural bone tissue architecture. This breakthrough enables the development of 3D disease models for tissue engineering and biomedical research.

The absorption of an individual electron captured on film

Physicists at University of Gothenburg create modern version of classical experiment to directly visualize electron quantization. A single levitated droplet is used to demonstrate the minimum, indivisible amount of charge, making it visible with naked eye.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Convalescent plasma improves survival in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that convalescent plasma therapy improved survival rates in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers. The analysis showed a 48% reduced risk of death for these patients, with even greater benefits for those hospitalized in intensive care or requiring mechanical ventilation.

New analysis discusses role of managed retreat as a climate change response

Researchers at the University of Miami argue that managed retreat should be viewed as a proactive option to support communities and livelihoods in the face of climate change. The analysis reviews existing literature on the subject and suggests considering strategic and managed retreat alongside other responses like coastal armoring.

Mutant genes can promote genetic transfer across taxonomic kingdoms

Researchers from Hiroshima University have discovered mutant genes that facilitate genetic transfer between bacteria and other organisms across different kingdoms, including fungi and protists. The study suggests that these genes work together to activate or repress the conjugation mechanism, enabling cross-kingdom transfer.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Passing the COVID test in just five minutes

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.

UCLA and UIC researchers discover foam 'fizzics'

Researchers developed advanced imaging methods to study the life cycle of liquid foams, revealing that micelles play a crucial role in determining foam stability. The findings could aid in developing new products and improving industrial processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study explores how the elderly use smart speaker technology

A study by Bentley University explores how the elderly use smart speaker technology at home, revealing heterogeneous use patterns. The results show that mornings and afternoons are more active, music and news are most prevalent, and simple commands dominate interactions.

On the road to practical, low-cost superconductors with unexplored materials

Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan have created single-crystalline bulk superconductors that can trap magnetic fields, achieving temperatures above liquid nitrogen's boiling point. This breakthrough enables low-cost production of high-performance materials for various engineering applications.

First months decisive for immune system development

A study published in Cell found a connection between breast milk, beneficial gut bacteria and the development of the immune system. The researchers discovered that babies whose intestinal flora can break down Human Milk Oligosaccharides have less inflammation in the blood and gut.

One in a million: Fluorescent 'microtags' help track individual cells

Researchers at Skoltech have designed a labeling system for individual cells using polymer multilayer microcapsules that can be easily reproducible and non-toxic. The system allows for the tracking of single-cell behavior and migration with extreme precision, facilitating studies on cell movement and communication in populations.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Historical climate effects of permafrost peatland surprise researchers

A study found that permafrost peatlands in Russia experienced a positive effect on the climate during a cool climate period, causing plant communities to dry up and release stored carbon. This led to increased emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, warming the atmosphere further.

Alpine plant spins its own flavonoid wool

A newly discovered alpine plant, Dionysia tapetodes, produces fibres from tiny holes in its leaves, producing a stable wool-like material. Flavone and flavone derivatives form the complex structure of the wool through hydrogen bonding, allowing it to maintain stability.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Fallback strategies: Planning for climate-induced relocation

Researchers integrate disciplines to chart a roadmap for strategic and managed climate retreat. Effective processes involve diverse responses, local knowledge integration, and public deliberation. Communities can define research approaches to support adaptation strategies in their homelands.

After the big storm: How to supply emergency power

A new study suggests that cooperative strategies for providing emergency power during long-duration outages can cost up to 40 times less than individual generators. The analysis focused on two hypothetical communities in New Hampshire and found that shared generator costs were significantly lower, making collective options more accessi...

Simple urine test may help early detection of brain tumors

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a simple urine test that can detect brain tumors with high accuracy, using microRNAs as biomarkers. The new device can extract more microRNAs from just a milliliter of urine than conventional methods, and shows promise for early diagnosis and treatment.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Predicting resistance to anticancer drugs

Researchers have identified neural crest stem cells as a key factor in non-genetic drug resistance mechanisms, which can help predict potential resistance routes in patients and develop personalized therapies.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New discovery shows Tibet as crossroads for giant rhino dispersal

A new species of Paraceratherium has been discovered in China, shedding light on the dispersal of giant rhinos across Asia. The study found that the giant rhino could disperse freely from the Mongolian Plateau to South Asia along the eastern coast of the Tethys Ocean and perhaps through Tibet.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tailored laser fields reveal properties of transparent crystals

A research team from the University of Göttingen uses powerful laser irradiation to study electrical and magnetic properties on surfaces of transparent crystals. They successfully demonstrate control over high harmonic radiation, enabling the investigation of magnetisation at the surface of magnesium oxide.

EULAR Meritorious Service Awards 2021

Maxime Dougados and Josef Smolen are the recipients of the EULAR Meritorious Service Award, which honors their contributions to the field of rheumatology. They have published over 1000 articles and have promoted initiatives such as FOREUM and ACR/EULAR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.

Biodiversity imperiled

Researchers found that altered streamside woodlands in arid regions stayed greener longer into the dry season and were less responsive to changes in groundwater levels. This threatens the long-term survival of natural forest communities and ecosystem functions.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Exposure to nature during COVID-19 lockdown was beneficial for mental health

A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, reduced stress, anxiety, and improved psychological well-being among Spanish and Portuguese citizens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. In Portugal, those who maintained contact with natural spaces showed lower levels of stress and mental disorders.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers propose methods for additive manufacturing quality control

A team of researchers from Penn State, University of Nebraska--Lincoln, and NIST proposed a six sigma framework of quality control for additive manufacturing. The method involves five steps: defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling, to eliminate defects and drive profits.

First report of dorsal navigation in a flying insect

Researchers discovered that sweat bees use patterns in the canopy overhead to navigate, finding their way home even in extremely low light conditions. This unique navigation system has implications for military applications, such as navigation for drones.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Stress during pandemic linked to poor sleep

A Washington State University study of twins found that stress and anxiety during the pandemic were associated with decreased sleep quality. The researchers linked self-reported mental health issues to changes in sleep patterns, showing a two-way relationship between disrupted sleep and poor mental health.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.